Rocky Fork State Park

Description: Rocky Fork After Dark: SUNRISE hike to White Oak Flats

Location: Rocky Fork State Park

Join park ranger Cory Franklin on a guided sunrise hike beneath the stars to White Oak Flats Overlook. We’ll begin in darkness and watch the first light of day slowly reveal Flint Mountain, Big Bald, and Whitehouse Cliffs, while listening to the forest wake up around us. We may even hear the Peregrine Falcon stirring on the cliffs above!

This hike is part of the Rocky Fork After Dark series, a monthly program highlighting the importance of natural darkness and night skies as Rocky Fork works to become an official International Dark Sky Park.

Since Tennessee State Parks are normally closed from dusk to dawn, this guided hike offers a rare opportunity to experience Rocky Fork during the quiet transition from night to day.

Please arrive a few minutes early; we will leave the parking lot promptly at 5:45 AM.

Distance (roundtrip): 3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Please bring a flashlight or headlamp (red light encouraged), water, and snacks.

Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. If you do not have a flashlight, red flashlights will be available on site.

Directions:

From Johnson City / Erwin:

Take I-26 South and get off at Exit 43. Follow the brown signs to Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park. Turn right on TN-352 for approximately 6 miles until you arrive at Rocky Fork Road on your right. Take Rocky Fork Road for 0.8 mile until you reach the gravel parking lot.

From Asheville / Mars Hill, NC:

Take I-26 North and get off at Exit 50, the first exit in Tennessee. Turn left on Upper Higgins Creek Road for 0.6 mile. Turn right on Old Asheville Highway for 2.2 miles. Turn left on Rocky Fork Road for 0.8 mile until you arrive at the gravel parking lot.

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Event Document:   Essential Eligibility Criteria